Jerry Jones mourns the passing of Steve Sabol

Jerry Jones called NFL Films president Steve Sabol, who died Tuesday at age 69 from brain cancer, “a precious asset” to the NFL.

“I really believe Steve was put on earth to do this job and be a part of what he contributed to the NFL,” Jones told the NFL Network, per ESPNDallas.com.

“I honestly don’t know of anyone who loved, understood or appreciated the NFL more than Steve did. He was one of the greatest storytellers of our time, not just in sports but in any part of the American society. I’ve often said that they only throw ticker-tape parades for war heroes, astronauts and people that win games or championship sports figures because they’re larger than life. Well somebody has to take the accomplishments of these people and make them larger than life. Someone had to take that moment and turn it into a legend and that’s what Steve Sabol did for the NFL better than anyone.”

The Cowboys had a strong relationship with NFL Films, which made popular the “America’s Team” slogan. Dallas is also the only team that’s been on NFL Films-produce “Hard Knocks” twice.

Jones also credited NFL Films as the inspiration for the massive video board at Cowboys Stadium, according to ESPNDallas.com.